Katy Perry backs out of the People's Choice Awards

Perry axes first post-Russ appearance

Katy Perry has canceled her appearance at Wednesday's People's Choice Awards. The ceremony, hosted by The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco, would have been Katy's first public outing since her marriage to Russell Brand went belly-up last month. The singer is nominated for seven gongs at this week's prize-giving.

Katy Perry has pulled out of a scheduled appearance at this week's People's Choice Awards (PCAs). The appearance would have been her first public outing since the high-profile bust-up of her 14-month marriage to comic Russell Brand.

Perry, who was slapped with divorce papers from Brand on Dec. 30, had been set to attend the annual awards show in Los Angeles on Wednesday. On Monday, however, Katy revealed via Twitter that she won't be in attendance at the big show after all.

"Unfortunately I will not be able to attending the People's Choice Awards. I want to thank u all for voting for me, finger crossed! #KATYCATS," the hit-maker tweeted.

Her announcement came one day after she broke her Twitter silence in the days following her separation. On Sunday, Katy blasted her preachy parents -- Keith and Mary Hudson -- who are accused of exploiting their daughter's heartbreak in a bid to attract more parishioners to their Ohio church.

"Concerning the gossip, I want to be clear that NO ONE speaks for me. Not a blog, magazine, 'close sources' or my family," she wrote.

Russell won't be showing his curly coif at the show either. Brand was reportedly (and awkwardly!) banned from the ceremony because Katy was up for so many awards.

Russell was originally on the guest list for PCAs, but it was reported last week that organizers had uninvited him; wanting to ensure that there was no bitter confrontation between the "Firework" singer and her soon-to-be ex-husband.

"It will be Katy's big night, a prelude to the Grammys and now Russell has been strangely left off the list of attendees for the high-profile event," a source told Britain's The Mirror last week. "It was always going to be awkward for organizers in any case after their shocking decision to split. But in order to avoid any awkwardness or confrontation, Russ is no longer on the list."

Do you think Katy will feel strong enough to return to public life soon?